In a significant development at the Amsterdam football club Ajax, the club’s financial director, Susan Lenderink, has announced her resignation from her position. This departure marks the fourth high-profile departure from the club’s board in the past year, coinciding with a challenging period for the club on and off the pitch.
Lenderink, who has been with Ajax since July 1, 2019, has informed the club of her decision to step down, with her tenure set to conclude on March 1, 2025. This will allow the club ample time to search for a suitable successor. Lenderink’s resignation comes amidst a tough couple of years for Ajax, as the club has not won a trophy in the last two seasons and has failed to secure a top-two finish in the Dutch Eredivisie league for both years.
In a statement on the Ajax website, Lenderink reflected on her time with the club, emphasizing the intense yet rewarding experience she has had. I look back on an intense but above all rewarding period and I am proud of our collective achievements both on and off the field. It has been a privilege to be part of the most beautiful club in the Netherlands, she said.
The club’s chairman, Michael van Praag, expressed disappointment over Lenderink’s decision, praising her work and commitment to the club. It is unfortunate that Susan is leaving Ajax. She has done fantastic work here. We tried to persuade her to reconsider. Of course, we respect her decision and can conclude that she has meant a great deal to Ajax over the past five and a half years, said van Praag.
Lenderink’s resignation follows a series of departures from the club’s leadership, including Supervisory Board Chairman Pier Eringa, Interim General Manager Jan van Halst, Chief Sports Officer Maurits Hendriks, and Director of Football Affairs Sven Mislintat. The collective exit of these key figures has been attributed to the club’s underperformance, both in terms of results and financial management.
Ajax’s recent struggles have not only affected the club’s performance on the field but have also had repercussions off the field. The club has been grappling with financial challenges, and the lack of trophies has raised questions about the club’s direction and strategy.
Despite the challenges, Lenderink has maintained a positive outlook, reflecting on the club’s achievements during her tenure. I am proud of the work we have done together, and I believe that the foundation is strong for the future, she stated.
The club’s management will now need to focus on securing a new financial director who can navigate the club through these challenging times. With the club facing both on-field and off-field challenges, the search for a successor to Lenderink will be crucial in shaping Ajax’s future.
Ajax fans and the football community at large will be closely watching the club’s next move, hoping that the appointment of a new financial director will help steer the club back towards stability and success.
In the meantime, Lenderink’s departure leaves a void at the club, but her legacy as a dedicated and accomplished financial director will undoubtedly be remembered by those who have worked with her and the fans who have supported Ajax through thick and thin.
As the search for a new financial director begins, Ajax will hope to find someone who can help the club rise above its current challenges and restore the glory days that have made it one of the most successful clubs in Dutch football history.
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